Millimeter Wave Airport Scanners

Every time I go through these airport whole body millimeter wave scanners, I get pulled over for a body search. No longer does a quick check of my pockets allow me through the metal detecting arch unimpeded. Surely the staff can see that it is a stoma pouch on the screen and not have to embarrass us with a body search and explanation. Oh well, another hurdle to surmount, I suppose.

You're looking at it the wrong way. Sure, they can see you have an ostomy bag on the screen, but what's to stop anyone from filling an ostomy bag with explosives and taping it to their abdomen if they thought they wouldn't be checked? At least they don't ask you to dump out the contents of your bag for inspection!

;O)

Needs must there doing their job and very well spotting everything and checking to make sure everyone's safe. Top job from security, well done. UK airport security staff are supposed to be trained to be stoma aware now and take us to a private room. You can wear a sunflower lanyard; I wouldn't wear one myself.

I wish they would ask to dump it out; I would ask them to cup their hands.

IGGIE

Simple answer: why wouldn't you wear a sunflower lanyard?

IGGIE

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

From my point of view, Iggie, I do not wish to be pre-defined by wearing any outward sign of my personal medical necessities - I take these within my stride and neither major upon them nor dismiss their necessity..... Also, I appreciate security is an involved business these days - per Bob's comment above.

Naturally, however, I would never presume to speak for another - this is only my personal take.

Wishing you a lovely day, Igggie

Best regards

Jayne

Then get rid of your driver's license that lets people know you can drive, and have you gotten rid of your senior's card? And you would never put a disabled sticker on your car, would you?

IGGIE

I've had mine for 15 years. The first time I was pulled aside, I was mortified! The full pat-down, the metal detector, the touch of the area, then they swab… everyone was watching… so the next time I told the people, and they did it privately and with a female. Now I don't care… whatever… it's my life now.

Good point, Bob. If there are any would-be drug or explosive smugglers reading this thread, and they didn't already have the idea of using an ostomy appliance to hide their stuff, they do now.

Terry

A lanyard would be on my person - and as I am able to speak for myself, I feel I would not wish to wear that personal 'display' - rather, I would voice appropriately when required.

However, your comparative comment concerning a legal driving license - rather like a passport - that is an official ID doc for far-reaching purposes.

As regards displaying a disabled 'explanation' - upon a vehicle not occupied at the time of parking - that is an entirely different matter - cars cannot speak, and such notification on vehicles serves to inform during the vehicle driver's absence.

I have respect for those who do feel the wearing of a lanyard is right for them - as I said, I could only speak for myself and not on behalf of another ..... But I hope in my explanation this helps to clarify why I personally would not wear something on my person - whilst I am in the position of speaking up on my own behalf.

Perhaps a 'flash card' with an updatable 'current' verification system would aid a speedy passage through customs/security?

Doubtless such questions are regularly raised within the security of airports and other installations.

Best wishes

Jayne

Maybe a tattoo on my forehead: "I have a bag of shit on my belly."

I guess those voluntary sunflower accessories could be counterfeited as well - heck, I bet even if we were microchipped, someone would find a way to duplicate that eventually.

I haven't been patted down yet, but I can understand how mortifying and embarrassing that would be, especially by a security agent who didn't know anything about ostomies. It's a risk I have to take when I fly. I'm not sure if there's any surefire way around it.

M

xo

Jambly,

My line is "My ostomy bag, right? Do you need me to rub it so you can swab my hands?" "Yes, please," and I'm on my way. As long as I'm not blocking the people behind me, no one really notices. If they do, I'll probably never see them again. Take a deep breath, get through security, and enjoy the rest of your trip.

See you at TSA one day,

SharkFan